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Social Insurance.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2006

Wednesday, 22 March 2006

Questions (50)

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

66 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will confirm reports that his Department has discovered a significant level of fraud involving the use of bogus PPS numbers; if his Department has any estimate of the number of bogus PPS numbers issued; the steps which are being taken to address this problem to ensure the integrity of the PPS number system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11007/06]

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Written answers

My Department does not have definite figures on the number of bogus PPS numbers as identity fraud is by its nature difficult to quantify. The Department, however, has not uncovered a significant level of fraud involving the use of bogus PPS numbers. Since 2004, an identity check on scheme clients has been part of the fraud and error surveys undertaken for control purposes by my Department and identity has not emerged as a particularly significant issue. However, to gauge the extent of misuse of the PPS number, a dedicated fraud and error survey on PPS number allocation is now underway. The results of this survey, due in a number of months, will create a baseline measure of the extent of fraud and error in the PPS number allocation process.

My Department took over full control of the registration process for allocating PPS numbers from the Revenue Commissioners in 2000. Since then, considerable effort has been put into improving the integrity of the PPS number registration process and the associated data. Further improvements will continue to be introduced as part of my Department's operational strategy in this area.

Among the steps that the Department has undertaken are: the set up and resourcing of a separate branch — client identity services — to manage the PPS number; introduction of a dedicated control unit to deal with identity issues; implementation of detailed procedures for departmental staff to apply rigorous standards to PPS number registrations; continual review and development of these procedures; delivery of an extensive training programme to staff; and a programme of work to improve the quality of the existing data supporting the PPS number.

The actual process for applying for a PPS number includes a number of measures to maximise the integrity of the process. When applying for a PPS number, applicants are asked to complete an application form and supply documentation to establish their identity. Whenever doubts arise as to the authenticity of documentation presented by an applicant, staff contact a central help desk and can, if necessary, refer the identity documents for further examination. A total of 1,393 documents were referred to the central help desk for checking in 2005. Of these, 377 were found to have been forged or altered. The equivalent figure for 2004 is 324. In any case where documentation presented is found to have been compromised, no PPS number is allocated.

The controls applied to the allocation process are under constant review in line with my Department's operational strategy. This includes a programme of work specifically designed to address the developing requirements for PPS number allocation and the need to ensure that controls are tightened to meet the varying and growing challenges of identity fraud. Plans are being put in place to consolidate the number of centres dealing with applications for PPS numbers, as well as expanding the role of the inspectorate in this work. There are also plans to modernise the technical and communication structures supporting the process. This will lead to improved expertise at local level and more effective controls.

My Department is conscious of its responsibility for the PPS number registration process, the overall value of the possession of the PPS number and the need for a robust control system to address concerns about identity fraud. Considerable progress has been made since the introduction of the PPS number and my Department will continue to develop and improve its processes and data.

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